Background

Large vessel occlusion accounts for 30% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and is a major cause of devastating neurologic deficits. A large vessel occlusion (LVO) occurs when a large blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot. This results in the death of brain cells in the affected area and loss of the neurologic function and disability. At present, the standard method for treating LVO AIS is via aspiration and/or stent-retriever thrombectomy. Unfortunately, in a significant percentage of cases this procedure results in a distal thromboembolism. The retrieval of the stent-retriever involves dragging the stent-retriever through blood vessels, which can cause intracranial vessel reactive narrowing, spasm, and endothelial vessel damage. Obstruction of antegrade flow using balloon arrest (using balloon guide catheter) has been demonstrated to improve recanalization rates.

Technology Overview

This technology from Upstate Medical University combines balloon guide catheter technology and direct aspiration catheters with an aspiration catheter balloon inflation mechanism for use in the retrieval of intracranial occlusions and as an emboli protection device in the treatment of intracranial steno-occlusive disease. The distal catheter design is optimized to be advanced without a co-axial guide wire. This promotes a faster procedure. In addition, the balloon arrest enhances atraumatic intracranial flow arrest for enhanced distal thrombectomy and emboli protection in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease. This device can be used as an intermediate catheter, with its balloon functionality allowing for function as an intracranial emboli protection device by proximal arrest of the intracranial parent vessel during angioplasty and stenting procedures of intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The device can be used in combination with other stroke thrombectomy devices including stent-retrievers.

Stage of Development

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 - Experimental proof of concept.

Benefits

Simple design.
Easy to use.
Rapid deflation with retrieval of internal aspiration catheter, protecting against prolonged flow arrest during thrombectomy procedures.
Provides operator flexibility to intracranial flow arrest for treatment of intracranial blockages and narrowing for emboli protection.
Can be used in combination with other stroke thrombectomy devices.

Applications

This primary application for this technology is mechanical treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Opportunity

This technology is available for licensing and would be of interest to neuro-interventionalists and manufacturers of medical devices for use in endovascular neurosurgery.

Balloon Assisted Thrombectomy Dual Aspiration and Distal Access Catheter System

Patents

IP Status

Seeking